• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Infections
• Sexual Health

Can I Have Sex with a UTI?

What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when harmful bacteria enter the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

The most common form of a UTI occurs in the lower urinary tract.

Poor hygiene, tight clothing, and sexual intercourse can all introduce bacteria to the urinary tract.

Unfortunately, UTIs can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• A burning sensation when urinating

• Frequent urination

• Abdominal pain

• A persistent urge to urinate

• Blood in the urine, known as hematuria

• Pelvic pain

• High fever

If left untreated, a urinary tract infection can lead to serious health issues like kidney damage, sepsis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and septic shock.

Is a UTI a Sexually Transmitted Infection?

Sexually transmitted infections are spread through sexual contact with an infected person.

A UTI is not sexually transmitted, and genital contact cannot cause this infection. Instead, UTIs are caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra.

Therefore, it is technically safe to have sex with someone who has UTI, as it can’t be transmitted.

However, sexual activity can increase the risk of developing urinary tract infections in some people. Additionally, sex may aggravate or worsen your UTI symptoms.

Can anal or oral sex cause a UTI?

Oral sex can cause a UTI as bacteria from the mouth or throat can push bacteria into the urethra. A UTI caused by oral sex is more common in women than men, as the female urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, where bacteria may be present.

It is also possible for a UTI to be caused by anal sex because the rectum and anus contain bacteria that can also potentially enter the urethra during sexual activity.

The friction caused by anal sex can also irritate the urethra, making it more susceptible to bacterial infection.

Can manual sex cause a UTI?

Manual sex may potentially cause a UTI because the bacteria from the skin or nails can be transferred into the urethra during the activity.

Should I Have Sex with a UTI?

If you have a UTI, it’s typically not recommended to have oral or penetrative sex until the infection is completely cleared and you are symptom-free.

This is because sexual activity can increase inflammation and irritation of the urethra, which can delay the body’s healing process and make the infection worse.

It can also introduce new bacteria to the urethral opening.

Vaginal sex with spermicide-treated condoms — a type of birth control method — can also cause a UTI in some people as it includes a chemical that can irritate the internal walls of the vagina and the lining of the urethra.

Having sex with a UTI may increase certain health risks, like developing a kidney infection.

Other Risk Factors

Other than sex, some factors may increase your risk of developing a UTI. These factors include:

• The female anatomy: Women are more prone to urinary tract infections as the female urethra is located closer to the anus, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra.

• Menopause: As a result of declining estrogen level during menopause, the urinary tract can become more susceptible to infection.

• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk for a UTI as high blood sugar can increase the chance of bacterial growth in the urinary tract.

• A weakened immune system: Those who have HIV, for example, have weakened immune systems, which can lead to a higher risk of developing a UTI.

What is the Best UTI Treatment?

If you have a UTI, it is recommended that you see a healthcare professional as soon as possible to prevent serious health conditions.

Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic treatment based on the type of bacteria they detect in your urine and the severity of your infection.

Antibiotics are the only course of treatment that will completely clear a UTI as they work to kill the bacteria in your urinary system.

How Can I Prevent UTIs?

• Wipe carefully from front to back: After a bowel movement, women should ensure that they wipe their genital area from front to back to prevent bacteria from the rectum from entering the urethra.

• Use a dental dam during oral sex: A dental dam can potentially prevent the spread of bacteria during oral sex.

• Keep the genital area clean: Practicing good hygiene by regularly cleansing the genitals is an important step in preventing a bladder infection

• Urinate after oral or penetrative sex: Urinating after sex can help to flush bacteria out of the urethra.

• Wash your hands before manual sex: This may reduce the risk of developing a UTI as there will be fewer potentially harmful bacteria on your skin.

Where Can I Learn More About UTI Treatment?

To learn more about UTI treatment and prevention, talk to board certified medical professional.

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